Royal Thai

I passed by this inviting place on a cold rainy evening and decided to give it a try. One of the Thai women working there was standing outside the door, as is the custom in this very competitive restaurant district. Business was slow, as this was a Monday and it was pouring rain.

She graciously welcomed me and took my umbrella, saying it was too wet to bring inside! Perhaps she needed it herself, I figured. I sat down and ordered dinner from the menu. Soup was a must to warm my insides, so I decided on Tom Yam Kai, the delightfully spicy lemongrass soup with chicken and mushrooms. It was done perfectly.

As Royal Thai specializes in seafood, I followed that up with Pla Chuchee, pieces of fish, deep fried and covered in a spicy red curry/coconut sauce, which I would classify as Penang (my favorite Thai sauce). There was a LOT of fish, about 6-7 medium pieces, and it was so much I couldn’t finish it. It came with a huge silver colored bowl of rice that I barely made a dent in. The fish was good, clean tasting, and went well with the sauce.

To drink I ordered a jasmine tea, which was served in glass mug instead of teapot, but they did add more hot water, so I got a couple of glasses for 1.90 Euros. A small heineken set me back 3 Euros (big ouch!). The soup was 4.10 and the fish 15.50. Considering how much fish there was, and how good it was, it was well worth it. I’d normally recommend two people split it with another dish.

The decor was a pleasant notch up from most Thai restaurants in Amsterdam. The theme is Thai musical instruments and there are beautiful examples on display as well as other exotic object d’art.

The service here was excellent, but then again, it was a slow Monday evening. As I left the restaurant, the friendly Thai woman handed me back my umbrella and we talked for awhile. The chill of the evening had evaporated…

Check out their very informative website to see the whole menu! Nice photos of some of the dishes. Watch out you don’t drool over your keyboard!

Eat Mode Asian Fusion Kitchen

New in Amsterdam, and first in Chinatown the owners claim, is the Eat Mode Asian Fusion Kitchen.


The workers have to restock constantly
to keep the customers satisfied here on the Zeedijk.

Glad I discovered this little eatery on the Zeedijk in Amsterdam, right off the Nieuwmarkt. Fine food, cheap prices and nice ambience all combine to make this place a new favorite of mine in the Mokum. The menu consists of a variety of Asian specialities culled from Japanese, Chinese and Thai cuisine. A separate sushi menu is also available.

I ordered the chicken curry lo mein soup bowl, which was filled to the brim with a rich brown broth, chunks of chicken, potatoes, and chinese veggies. Thanks to such large portions, I was also completely filled to the brim when I finished eating it. My friend ordered the Udon soup with vegetables tempura, and it was also delicious. The crispy fried veggies contrasted well with the savory broth of the soup.

Chinese tea is free with your order. English and other types of tea as well as soft drinks are available. Nothing is expensive at this delightful place, with meals averaging around 6 Euros, topping out around 11 Euros for a prawn dish.

The ambience is nice, the soothing lounge music, quietly chatting diners, contrast with the view of the crowds scurrying by on the Zeedijk. Simple wood block tables and comfortable benches make for an enjoyable, relaxing experience. Please note there is no table service here. You must order at the counter and wait for your number to appear on the display.

Info:
Open daily from 11 am until midnight. The entire menu is available for take-out as well as eat-in.

Address:
Zeedijk 105-107
Amsterdam 1012 AV
Phone: 020 330 0806

Aneka Rasa Indonesian Restaurant

The Aneka Rasa is an Indonesian restaurant on the Warmoesstraat in the heart of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. But don’t let that fact put you off your food, some of the best meals in Amsterdam are to be found in this area. Just two blocks from Centraal Station, or three from the Dam Square.

As there were two of us dining, we decided to order a rijstaffel “menu” and enjoyed it greatly for all it’s uniqueness, especially the variety of sauces in each of the many dishes.

We started off with their spring rolls, unusually and delightfully prepared with lime leaf and lemongrass, with bits of chicken and vegetables, they were deep fried to a nice crispiness without being drenched in oil. They were served with a delicious sate sauce.

As we sat in the dining room with our beers admiring the nice wood paneling, the main course arrived with two long heated metal trays down the middle of the table loaded with goodies to eat. There were at least a dozen dishes to choose from, the more memorable are listed below.

Hard boiled eggs, with a dark savoury sauce were in one dish. Another had skewers of chicken satay and a huge puddle of peanut sauce, quite nice and lots of it! There were large portions of rice, both coconut flavoured and stir-fried. A bowl held fresh green beans with a fine zesty sauce and other bits of vegetables and nuts stirred in with it. There was a portion of fried mackerel fish, swimming in it’s own sauce, but that was about the least favorite thing I had. The prawns were great however, with a red spicy pepper sauce, and when sprinkled with finely grated coconut, an amazing treat! A bowl of cabbage and carrots was swimming in some herbal sauce that left me cold, but it was in fact piping hot like all the rest of the dishes. Our most favorite that evening had to be the hot and spicy chicken pieces, with nice chunks of red peppers in its own unique sauce… so it was an evening of many sauces, all unique to say the least.

Afterwards our menu meal featured a dessert with coffee or tea, and fried bananas covered with powdered sugar, a fine way to end the meal. And these weren’t ordinary bananas either, they were the fine red fig variety I love so much when I’m in the tropics, or Amsterdam, and lucky enough to find then in the local market.

Our bill, including four beers, was 61.50 euros. Not bad considering we left the table filled with pleasure!

So, my hats off to the Aneka Rasa, with its great service, fine food, and convenient location.

Saow Thai

Amsterdam’s Red Light District has many Thai restaurants, but none quite like Saow Thai. Like other Thai restaurants Saow Thai’s food is consistently good, well prepared, perfectly spiced and always accompanied by a beautiful presentation.

So what makes this Thai place different? Well the bar scene dominates more than half the place, with the few cramped dining tables stuffed in almost as an afterthought. And it’s quite a bar scene. The beautiful Thai women serving drinks (and dinner) are often not women at all but Thai men in drag. And they carry it off so well, this place will remind those who’ve been through the sexy bar scene in Bangkok of that steamy, sultry city.

The patrons of Saow Thai seem evenly divided by those seeking good Thai food, and those wanting to hang out at the bar. It’s really too bad this place isn’t a little bigger, as it takes a while to feel comfortable in their dining area.

Their beautiful and tasty culinary delights don’t come cheap either. As low key and unprententious as the place is, you don’t expect to pay these prices. Plan on 30 Euros per person plus drinks.

This reminds me of the time I was staying is some obscure Thai town way out in the countryside. It was around 9pm and I was just looking for dinner, and I passed by the most brightly lit shop in town. Surprisingly it was a very modern barber shop, and seeing how badly I needed a haircut, I went in. It occured to me how odd it was to have a barbershop open so late at night, but I reasoned this was some unique cultural obsession I’d yet to figure out.

I tried to explain how I wanted my haircut, but for some weird reason, the barber didn’t invite me to sit in the chair, and made no move to prepare me for a haircut. Instead he and another man kept pointing up a staircase, nodding their heads in that direction, apparently urging me to ascend. Since no one spoke English, it took me awhile to grasp what they were saying. For a moment I thought, oh, they must have another floor of barbers waiting to cut hair. But then I thought, wait a second, this is a small town in the middle of nowhere, why do they need a modern highrise barber shop?

The men called up the stairs, and soon a parade of beautiful scantily dressed Thai women came down. The reason they were so reluctant to cut my hair and encouraging me to go upstairs was the fact that the barbershop was just a front for a brothel. Once I figured that out, we all had a good laugh, and I continued my search for a restaurant…

That’s the kind of feeling I get at Saow Thai. Like there’s more going on here than meets the eye. Intriguing indeed!

I highly recommend you arrive early for dinner. The few tables (four I think) fill up fast. Or just hangout by the bar and wait patiently while the Asian transvestites ply you with mai tais. I can think of few things more exotic than that…

Info:
Address:
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 160
Amsterdam 1012 DW
Phone: 020 422-3023

Al’s Plaice

If you’re craving some fish and chips, look no further than Al’s shop. Featuring a variety of fish including the usual cod (kabeljauw), salmon (recommended!), halibut or whatever is available that day. The fish, cut in huge pieces, is usually done to perfection. The coating is crispy if a little greasy, which only adds to the authenticity. The chips are likewise good.

A fish and chips plate is certainly a filling meal. A selection of pies, including the ubiquitous steak and kidney are available too.

The interior is your typical fast food joint, with stools and tables, often littered with English and Dutch newspapers for your reading pleasure. No swank, just good fish. Enjoy!

Info:
Address:
Nieuwendijk 10
Amsterdam 1012 MK
Phone: 020 427-4192

De Roode Leeuw

A mild “splurge”. I had 2 wonderful meals at this restaurant on Damrak.

As I travel often, I make it a point to NEVER eat in any hotel restaurant (too expensive, mediocre-to-lousy food).

This restaurant, De Roode Leeuw, was an exception. The steamed mussels were excellent, soups and bisques superb, and the lamsfilet was fabulous. Check out the photo of marrowfat peas with garnishing (tastes even better than it looks, and MUCH better than it sounds). For the excellent service and cuisine, prices were reasonable (great meal w/wine & drinks/dessert/espresso for approx. 30-40 EU maximum). A great “splurge” dinner in a great location. They also have a BRASSERIE with windowed terrace seating for any claustrophobics.

To see pictures of the restaurant, the food served there (including full menus and photos), and get a lot of useful information, goto https://www.hotelamsterdam.nl and click on the “Restaurants” tab on left. (The nice, older fellow in the picture was my waiter). Drill down to the menus & pictures of great Dutch food and try not to imitate one of Pavlov’s dogs.

I ate in Paris, Italy, DAM, everywhere in Europe, and this place was definitely a highlight. No attitudes and friendly staff if you are cool, and dress is casual. Put on your last reasonably clean shirt, have a splif, stroll over to De Roode Leuw and chow. Bon appetit. Enjoy!

x
daveq
ps (I did not stay at the Hotel.. too expensive and modern for my taste though it looked like a good business hotel).

Info:
De Roode Leuw is in the Hotel Amsterdam: Just a couple blocks up Damrak from the Dam square (N towards Centraal Station) on the West side of Damrak, about 2 blocks east of New Church. Hours/info are posted on the website included in this review.

Address:
Damrak 93-94
Amsterdam 1012 LP

Vleminckx Sausmeesters

In business since 1887 and at this location since 1958, Vleminckx Sausmeesters have mastered the art of the “French” fry. Actually these are Belgian frites, those large, mouthwatering, golden brown crispy fries that are served in a paper cone and smothered in rich sauces.

Until you’ve tried these, you haven’t experienced the best. And with an amazing assortment of sauces to choose from (they call themselves sauce masters after all), including curry and sate, ketchup or mayonaisse (the Dutch preference) seem rather tame. But you can get those too.

For around two Euros you can experience this delicacy the way it was intended.

Warning: After eating these, you will forever disappointed by every other fry you come across. That’s the price you pay for perfection!

The only drawback is there’s no tables and chairs, you must eat standing up or find a seat on a nearby stoop.

Info:
Open Mon-Sat. 11am-6pm, Sun. 12pm-5:30pm
Address:
Voetboogstraat 31, just off the Spui
Amsterdam

Shiva

We’ve been coming to Shiva for years now, and I’ve always been very satisfied with their quality food, good service and reasonable prices.

The small restaurant on Reguliersdwarsstraat is warm, inviting and cozy. Large and colorful painted scenes from India adorn the walls, and delightful Indian ragas surround you with the sounds of sitar and tabla, setting the scene for your meal.

On our last visit we ordered the Onion Bahji appetizer, delicious little fritters with herbs and spices, and another appetizer of Chicken Pakora, battered & fried chicken pieces served with a tasty tomato/onion chutney.

Our main courses of salmon curry (the fresh fish of the day) was good, but a special order of Prawns Bhuna was even better. I always love bhuna, as it’s more spicy than most curries, and sometimes I can almost hallucinate from some spice in bhuna (nutmeg perhaps?).

The food was accompanied by a lovely Cote Du Rhone (16 euros), and an order of paratha (fresh bread, like a nan). The entire bill including wine came to 56 euros, not bad for a wonderful filling Indian feast for two.

Info:
Open every day.

Address:
Reguliersdwarsstraat 72
Amsterdam 1017 BN
Phone: 020-624-8713

Klaas Compaen

I must admit I’d passed by this quaint Thai restaurant in the Red Light District many times before I finally took the plunge. Klaas Compaen is named after a man who journed to India but ended up living happily in Thailand because he liked the women and the food.

Klaas Compaen claims to be the first Thai restaurant in Amsterdam, operating here some 30 years. The entry way leads you down some steps into a scent filled basement room. This relatively small restaurant which has just a half dozen tables and more seats at the bar is very cozy. Those sitting at the bar can watch the chef at work creating those Thai delights we know and love.

We had ordered our usual test for Thai restaurants consisting of spring rolls, Tom Yam soup, Pad Thai and red curry. These are the standard dishes served up at all Thai restaurants and reveal the food quality and consistency.

All the dishes were fresh and authentic, although I found the very thin noodles used for the Pad Thai to be lacking in flavor and ingredients. It was mostly noodles with few vegetables or chicken pieces to be found. This was the only drawback to what otherwise was a very tasty meal.

As we were the only patrons for most of our meal, the staff of three provided perfect service. When the place is packed, which I noticed is common on weekends, it may feel a bit claustrophobic or gezelig (cozy) depending upon your personality. Fortunately a bank of air conditioners should prevent the usual Dutch restaurant smoke from being a big problem in such a small room. Ask them to turn them on if you feel uncomfortable.

Info:
Klaas Compaen does not accept credit cards!
Hours: 5pm – 9:45pm

Address:
Raamgracht 9
Amsterdasm

Phone: 020-623-8708

Toko Dun Yong

Amsterdam’s Chinatown is growing daily, with new shops opening along the edge of the district, servicing the booming restaurant trade and immigrant population as well as the growing interest in Asian food among Europeans.

Toko Dun Yong, a multilevel department store, has been selling a wide variety of products made in China since 1957. This is the class market in Amsterdam’s Chinatown, with far more items than the other, smaller markets carry.

Their excellent selection of food, kitchenware, ceramics, furniture, books, music, restaurant equipment and decorations are without peer in Amsterdam. Whether you’re looking for just the right size wok, or that special kind of tea you’ll find it here or nowhere.

If you can make it past the first floor’s enormous selection of edibles, venture downstairs to the basement’s treasure horde of kitchen and restaurant items. You’ll be sorely tempted to buy that long desired kitchen implement. I was amazed to see such a range of items, including things I didn’t expect to find in a Chinese store, like Paella pans (in 2 sizes!).

With all the other Chinese specialty stores around, the prices might not be the best on certain items, but it’s hardly worth the time to shop all over to save a few cents, when this place has it all.

Info:
Open: 9am – 6pm daily, Sunday Noon-6pm.
Metro: Nieuwmarkt

Address:
Stormsteeg 9
Amsterdam 1012 BD
Phone: +31-(0)20-622-1763